If you’re looking for a show-stopping treat that combines the best of creamy peanut butter, ripe bananas, and irresistible chocolatey goodness, you’ve just found your new favorite! This Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread Recipe is pure magic—imagine moist, tender banana bread studded with chunks of Reese’s Pieces and chocolate chips that melt perfectly into every bite. It’s sweet, nutty, and downright cozy, making it the perfect companion for your morning coffee, afternoon snack, or a comforting dessert to share with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting together the ingredients for this incredible bread is simple, yet each one plays an essential role in delivering the perfect balance of flavor and texture. From the naturally sweet bananas to the rich peanut butter and melty chocolate, every component is a key player in this recipe’s success.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: provides the structure without overpowering the other flavors.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: helps the bread rise beautifully and stay tender.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: enhances all the sweet and nutty notes.
- 3 large ripe bananas (mashed): bring natural sweetness and moisture.
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter: adds that luscious, nutty depth and richness.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted): keeps the bread soft and decadent.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar: balances sweetness and helps with browning.
- 2 large eggs: bind everything together while adding a tender crumb.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: brings a warm, fragrant undertone.
- 1 cup Reese’s Pieces or mini Reese’s cups (chopped): the star ingredient that enlivens each slice with bursts of peanut butter candy.
- 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips: melt into gooey pockets of chocolate perfection.
How to Make Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C), ensuring it’s fully preheated for even baking. Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to make sure your bread slides out easily once it’s baked.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This dry mix lays the foundation for your bread’s structure and will be gently folded into the wet ingredients later on.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, mash your ripe bananas until smooth, then blend in the creamy peanut butter, melted butter, and sugar. Stir this mixture until it becomes luscious and uniform—it’s already smelling like comfort in the making!
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla Extract
Next, crack in the eggs and pour the vanilla extract, beating them into the wet ingredients until everything comes together in a harmonious blend. This step ensures your bread is tender and full of flavor.
Step 5: Incorporate Dry into Wet
Gradually pour in the dry ingredients, folding gently just until combined. Resist the urge to overmix here to keep your bread light and fluffy rather than dense.
Step 6: Fold in Reese’s and Chocolate Chips
Now for the best part—fold in the chopped Reese’s Pieces or mini Reese’s cups along with the semisweet chocolate chips. These little bursts of candy and chocolate are what make this recipe truly special!
Step 7: Transfer and Bake
Pour your batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula for even baking. Pop the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 55 to 65 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted in the center.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Once baked, let your Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Once cooled, slice and get ready to indulge in this heavenly treat!
How to Serve Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread Recipe
Garnishes
Adding just a small sprinkle of extra chopped Reese’s Pieces or a few chocolate shavings on top can elevate the presentation and add a final burst of peanut butter and chocolate flavor. A light spread of cream cheese frosting is also a delicious option for a special occasion.
Side Dishes
This banana bread pairs wonderfully with a cold glass of milk, balancing the sweetness while refreshing your palate. Serving it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a hot cup of coffee also creates a delightful contrast that makes for a perfect snack or dessert.
Creative Ways to Present
For a brunch or dessert centerpiece, cut the bread into thick slices and stack them with layers of peanut butter and Nutella for a decadent sandwich. You can also toast slices lightly and spread with a drizzle of honey or extra peanut butter for a quick, satisfying bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread fresh by storing any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This helps maintain its moist texture and rich flavors.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this delicious bread later, freezing is a fantastic option. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or place it in a freezer-safe container. It will keep beautifully for up to three months without losing any of its indulgent charm.
Reheating
To revive a slice, simply warm it in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or toast it lightly. The warmth helps melt the chocolate and softens the bread, bringing back that fresh-baked feeling with ease.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter will add a bit more texture and nuttiness to the bread, which some love. Just be sure to mix it thoroughly so it blends well with the other wet ingredients.
What if I don’t have Reese’s Pieces or mini cups?
No problem! You can substitute with chopped peanut butter cups, peanut butter chips, or even chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to add some crunch and flavor variation.
How ripe should my bananas be for the best results?
The riper, the better! Look for bananas with plenty of brown spots—those mushy bananas are sweeter and will give your bread the best flavor and moistness.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free or vegan?
With some tweaks, yes! You can swap the butter for a vegan margarine and use flax eggs or another egg substitute. For the Reese’s candies, check for dairy-free alternatives or omit them to suit your preference.
How should I slice the bread for serving?
Allow the bread to cool completely for clean slices. Use a serrated knife and cut in even slices about 1 inch thick to maintain the loaf’s structure and keep all those delicious pockets of Reese’s and chocolate intact.
Final Thoughts
If you haven’t yet tried making this Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread Recipe, I encourage you to grab those ripe bananas and Reese’s candies and dive right in. It’s a surefire way to treat yourself and your loved ones to a slice of happiness that’s bursting with flavor and comfort. Happy baking and even happier tasting!
Print
Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55-65 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 10-12 slices)
- Category: Dessert, Snack, Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread combines the sweetness of ripe bananas with rich peanut butter and the indulgent flavors of Reese’s Pieces and chocolate chips. Baked to a moist and tender perfection, this loaf is a delightful twist on classic banana bread that’s perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 3 large ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Add-ins
- 1 cup Reese’s Pieces or mini Reese’s cups, chopped
- 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×5-inch loaf pan by greasing and flouring it or lining it with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Prepare Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, creamy peanut butter, melted butter, and sugar. Stir until smooth and well combined.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs and vanilla extract to the wet mixture, mixing until fully incorporated.
- Combine Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.
- Fold in Treats: Gently fold in the chopped Reese’s Pieces and chocolate chips, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
- Transfer to Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Let the banana bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- What to Serve: Enjoy the bread with a cold glass of milk, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a freshly brewed cup of coffee for a complete treat.
- Banana Ripeness Tips: Use ripe bananas with brown spots for the sweetest and most flavorful bread.
- Mixing Tips: Mix batter just until combined to avoid a dense texture.
- Substitutions: Substitute Reese’s pieces with other chocolates or nuts such as walnuts or pecans according to preference.
- Storing and Reheating: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, refrigerate for up to one week, or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or serve at room temperature.
Notes
- Riper bananas enhance sweetness and flavor.
- Do not overmix the batter to maintain a tender crumb.
- Customize add-ins to your liking by substituting Reese’s pieces with nuts or other candies.
- Proper storage ensures freshness; freezing is recommended for longer storage.
